The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has expressed profound grief over the death of the immediate past Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, describing him as an exceptional shepherd, a fearless voice of truth and a compassionate father whose life was dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
In a condolence message made available to journalists on Friday, the NIS boss said the passing of the revered Catholic cleric was a monumental loss not only to the Catholic Church but also to Nigeria and the people of Edo State. Blueprint reports
Shaibu noted that Archbishop Akubeze’s episcopal motto, Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati – “That I may bear witness to the Truth” – perfectly reflected the life he lived and the principles he upheld throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry.
According to him, the late Archbishop remained steadfast in his commitment to truth, justice, peace and the defence of human dignity, virtues that earned him admiration both within and outside the Catholic Church.
Personal loss
The NIS Director General described the Archbishop’s death as a deeply personal loss, revealing that he enjoyed a close relationship with the late cleric and benefitted immensely from his spiritual guidance and fatherly counsel.
He said that beyond his revered position as a church leader, Archbishop Akubeze was a mentor, confidant and trusted guide whose prayers and wise counsel left an enduring impact on his life.
“For me, this loss is deeply personal. I was privileged to share many memorable moments with Archbishop Akubeze. Beyond his revered position as a spiritual leader, he was a father figure, mentor and trusted guide whose prayers, wise counsel and genuine love left an enduring impact on my life,” he said.
He added that the bond they shared was built on mutual respect, affection and faith and that he would forever cherish the priceless moments spent with the late Archbishop.
Legacy of exemplary service
The NIS boss further praised the late cleric’s years of service as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), saying he exemplified humility, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
According to him, Archbishop Akubeze’s leadership strengthened the Catholic Church in Nigeria and inspired countless faithful across the country.
He noted that the late Archbishop contributed immensely to the moral and spiritual development of the nation and was widely respected for his courageous interventions on issues affecting national unity, justice, good governance and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
As President of the CBCN, Archbishop Akubeze became one of the leading voices advocating peace, religious harmony and social justice. He consistently urged leaders at all levels to place the interest of the people above personal and political considerations.
The NIS Director General said the late cleric’s unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power earned him the admiration of many Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.
Tributes pour in
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have continued to pour in from religious leaders, political figures and prominent Nigerians who have described Archbishop Akubeze as a fearless preacher, a bridge builder and a man whose life embodied humility and selfless service.
Many have also recalled his immense contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and his efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence and national development.
The NIS Director General said the late Archbishop’s passing had created a huge vacuum in the Church and the nation, noting that his contributions to humanity would remain indelible.
Condolences to the Church
On behalf of his family and the management and staff of the National Institute for Sports, the NIS Director General extended his heartfelt condolences to the Holy Father, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City, as well as the family and loved ones of the deceased.
He urged the faithful to take solace in the exemplary life lived by Archbishop Akubeze and to remain committed to the values of faith, truth, humility and selfless service that he championed.
“While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate a life richly lived in faithful service to God and humanity. I pray that Almighty God grants his gentle soul eternal rest and gives all of us the strength and grace to uphold the values he so nobly embodied,” he stated.
End of an era
The death of Archbishop Akubeze marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church in Nigeria, given his enormous contributions to evangelisation, nation-building and the defence of justice and truth.
Until his passing, he remained one of the most respected voices within the Catholic hierarchy in Nigeria and across Africa.
For many Nigerians, Archbishop Akubeze will be remembered not only for his ecclesiastical accomplishments but also for his compassion, humility and unwavering dedication to truth and justice.
As the Catholic faithful and the nation continue to mourn his passing, many believe that his enduring legacy of faith, service and integrity will continue to inspire generations and remain a shining example of selfless leadership.